News Briefs
ASE survey reveals technicians influence purchases
According to a survey conducted by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in its newsletter, "Blue Seal Tech News," 82 percent of the 600 ASE-certified technicians who responded said they have input in determining what parts and other products are used at their repair facility.
Technicians reported they have been ASE-certified an average of eight years and more than half are ASE-certified master technicians. Respondents would rather be hunting, fishing, camping or racing on their days off, and 85 percent said that they are constantly or frequently asked for auto repair advice by friends and neighbors. Eighty-seven per-cent are avid readers of auto trade publications.
"The results of this informal survey of ASE-certified technicians substantiate what we have suspected for some time: that technicians frequently do influence brand selection where they work," said Ronald H. Weiner, ASE president.
Dan Quayle to serve as NACE keynote
The 1997 International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), Dec. 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature Dan Quayle, the United State's 44th vice president, as Saturday morning's keynote speaker.
An entertaining speaker and author of the New York Times bestseller Standing Firm, Quayle will deliver his keynote address Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m.
In his speech, also titled "Standing Firm," Quayle will reflect on his firsthand experiences in the White House, and give a candid and insightful assessment of politics and important issues concerning the future of America. NACE is sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA); visit the NACE Web site for more information (http://www.NACE-97.com).
Editor-in-chief leaves Mitchell International
Larry Laumann, senior vice president and editor-in-chief of Mitchell International, has resigned his position to pursue an opportunity in another industry. Laumann has also submitted his resignation to the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), where he was chairman.
DuPont earns cost reduction award
For the fifth consecutive year, DuPont Automotive has earned the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) 1996 Certificate of Achievement in Cost Reduction. Meeting cost, quality and delivery targets, DuPont Automotive supplies DuPont Suva 134a refrigerant for air conditioning systems in the Geo and Nova Prizm and Toyota Corolla.
"DuPont Automotive's performance during 1996 demonstrated the efforts and accomplishments that NUMMI values in a supplier," said Linda McColgan, general manager of purchasing for NUMMI.
Snap-on and ADP sign letter of intent
Snap-on Diagnostics, a group of Snap-on Incorporated, and the Dealer Services Group of Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) signed a letter of intent to jointly provide integrated, fully networked computer hardware, software and services to franchised and company-owned automotive service centers as well as franchised automobile dealers. Definitive agreements are being negotiated.
Snap-on and ADP intend to launch a new generation of automotive service business and marketing solutions which combine Snap-on's capabilities, including its shop management, repair information and service bay hardware and software offerings, with ADP's complementary software and professional services. The result will be an integrated shop management system. ADP will also perform customary installation, training and support services with this new alliance.
Branko Beronja, Snap-on senior vice president, said, "Snap-on and ADP will offer franchise and company-owned service centers and dealerships an effective, flexible means to electronically link every piece of diagnostic equipment with business and accounting software, creating a seamless shop management system. Greater productivity, enhanced repair accuracy and improved levels of customer satisfaction are the benefits that integration - and this new alliance - will provide."
Virginia approves CTAP program
The Collision Technician Apprenticeship Program (CTAP) standards were approved recently by the state of Virginia's Department of Labor and Industry, allowing this program to formally expand into its second state in one year.
Virginia is one of 26 states that has an appointed group of council members to review and approve apprenticeship programs.
By working in cooperation with the councils in each state, CTAP creates card-carrying journey persons as it attracts, screens, tests and trains newcomers for the collision repair industry. CTAP began its program in Maryland in August 1996 and currently has 13 apprentices training during a three-year, full-time-work/part-time-school apprenticeship in pre-approved collision repair facilities under the tutelage of an ASE-certified and/or Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) trained technician.
Picture this: digital imaging || Replacement Crash Parts Summit II || Production momentum || The training enigma || Employee or independent contractor || Guest Editorial: Telling the truth about air bags || Tech Tips || Tech To Tech || News Briefs || Taking The Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 10, October 1997